The Revenue Commissioners collected almost half a billion in tax through so-called compliance interventions last year.

These can take the form of investigations, audits, or non-audit checks.

The body said that throughout the year, there were 646,633 compliance checks carried out.

Interventions can include an audit where officials examine the books and records belonging to a taxpayer, or a full-blown investigation, which involves an examination of a taxpayer's affairs where Revenue believes that serious tax or duty evasion may have occurred.

A non-audit intervention can also be carried out, which can include unannounced site visits or requests for a business to undertake a self-review of tax or the duty liability.

"During 2017, we completed 646,633 compliance interventions, which yielded €492m," said Revenue chairman, Niall Cody, as the body published its annual results.

"In addition, by May 4, 2017, we received €83.8m from 2,786 disclosures in the final offshore disclosure settlement opportunity.

"Tackling tax evasion remains a high priority and where it is uncovered, Revenue will apply the maximum sanctions and deterrents including penalties, publication and potentially, criminal prosecution"

Mr Cody also said that last year there were 24 criminal convictions for serious tax and duty offences and 1,610 summary convictions with a total of €5.2m imposed in fines.